Category Archives: Local News

Bloomington police to step up traffic enforcement on the Fourth of July

Bloomington police to step up traffic enforcement on the Fourth of July

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Police Department warned that they will step up traffic enforcement for the Fourth of July holiday this week. According to a Bloomington police news release, from July 2 to 8, officers will be working to keep impaired drivers off the road and ticket unbuckled motorists. The Bloomington Police Department…MORE

McLean County tornado count up to 5 from June 13 storms

McLean County tornado count up to 5 from June 13 storms

By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – Thunderstorms last Thursday, June 13, left their mark on eastern McLean County, carving out a notable path of wind damage. The National Weather Service in Lincoln has identified five separate tornado touchdowns. They are still finalizing their reports. But what happened to cause this? Has this happened before? First, let’s look back…MORE

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…